The Byzantine Empire used the theme system to divide up its provinces. Generals ran these provinces and recruitd free peasants for their armies.
In return these peasants recieved plots of land, which strengethened the class of free peasants and the agricultral economy.
As time passed wealthy families accumulated large estates, reducing the amount of free peasants which in return increased the number of the dependent class.
Besides having social effects these large landholders often times were influential enough to obtain concessions and exemptions from imperial taxes.
Along with the decline in free peasants came the decline of military recruits.
The Large landowners also were able to establish armies that aided thier own interest rather than those of the government.
These concentrations of land cause financial, military, and economic problems in the last three centuries of the Byzantine Empire.
The arrival of silkworms in Byzantine Empire was the most important addition to the economy
Byzantine Empire became main supplier of silk in the Mediterranean basin
Government overlooked production and sale of silk to prevent establishment of silk monopolies
The bezant, the Byzantine gold coin, became the standard currency in the Mediterraniean basin
faith and rachel-we checked and it looks great
Yea Diana and Erin know... we wrote it :)
Alli and Minerva-FABULOUS :D <3
Approved/Not approved by:Brett Krumenacker. Read my discussion
faith and rachel-we checked and it looks great
Yea Diana and Erin know... we wrote it :)
Alli and Minerva-FABULOUS :D <3
Approved/Not approved by:Brett Krumenacker. Read my discussion